Vertical Spring With Weight Reaching Equilibrium

In summary, a 1.25-kg mass stretches a vertical spring 0.215 m and then is stretched an additional 0.130 m and released. It will take approximately 0.233 seconds for the mass to reach the new equilibrium position. This can be calculated using the equations k = F/x and T = 2*π*√(m/k), where k is the spring constant, F is the force due to gravity, x is the displacement on the spring, and T is the period of oscillation.
  • #1
gmmstr827
86
1

Homework Statement



A 1.25-kg mass stretches a vertical spring 0.215 m. If the spring is stretched an additional 0.130 m and released, how long does it take to reach the (new) equilibrium position again?

m_object = 1.25 kg
A (amplitude) = 0.130 m (since the spring has a new equilibrium at 0.215 m due to the object)
g (gravity) = 9.80 m/s^2
x_object displacement on spring = 0.215 m

Homework Equations



k = F/x = (mg)/x
T (period) = 2*π*√(m/k)

The Attempt at a Solution



k = F/x = [(1.25 kg)(9.80 m/s^2)]/0.215 m ≈ 56.98 N/m
T = 2*π*√(m/k) = 2*π*√(1.25 kg/56.98 N/m) ≈ 0.931 s (seconds)
0.931 s (seconds) / 4 ≈ 0.233 s
[I divided by 4 since a period is an oscillation from one amplitude to the other, and back. Since it is at one amplitude and needs only reach the equilibrium once again, that is 1/4 of the distance of a period, and therefore 1/4 of the time.]
Therefore, it will take approximately 0.233 seconds to reach equilibrium again.

^^^Does all this look correct?
 
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  • #2
Looks good to me!
 
  • #3
Delphi51 said:
Looks good to me!

Thanks! =]
 

FAQ: Vertical Spring With Weight Reaching Equilibrium

What is a vertical spring with weight reaching equilibrium?

A vertical spring with weight reaching equilibrium is a physical system where a spring is attached to a fixed point at the top and a weight is attached to the bottom. When the weight is released, it will stretch the spring until it reaches a point where the force of the spring pulling up is balanced by the force of gravity pulling down, resulting in a state of equilibrium.

What factors affect the equilibrium point of a vertical spring with weight reaching equilibrium?

The equilibrium point of a vertical spring with weight reaching equilibrium is affected by the weight of the object attached to the spring, the spring constant (a measure of the stiffness of the spring), and the acceleration due to gravity.

How do you calculate the equilibrium point of a vertical spring with weight reaching equilibrium?

The equilibrium point of a vertical spring with weight reaching equilibrium can be calculated using the equation F = kx, where F is the force exerted by the spring, k is the spring constant, and x is the distance the spring is stretched. At equilibrium, this force is equal to the weight of the object (mg), so the equation can be rearranged to solve for x: x = mg/k.

What is the relationship between the spring constant and the equilibrium point?

The spring constant and the equilibrium point have an inverse relationship. This means that as the spring constant increases, the equilibrium point decreases, and vice versa. A stiffer spring (higher spring constant) will require more force to stretch it to a certain length, resulting in a lower equilibrium point.

How does the weight of the object affect the equilibrium point of a vertical spring with weight reaching equilibrium?

The weight of the object directly affects the equilibrium point of a vertical spring with weight reaching equilibrium. As the weight of the object increases, the equilibrium point also increases. This is because a heavier object will pull the spring down more, requiring a greater force from the spring to reach equilibrium.

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